Bayer's GM oilseed unlikely to cause harm

The GM oilseed rape variety from Bayer (known as T45) is unlikely to have a
detrimental effect on human or animal health or the environment when used for
food and feed uses. This is the conclusion of EFSA, which issued an opinion on
this biotech crop.

Bayer CropScience applied
for approval for the variety in 2005. Its application covers food and animal
feed uses, including importing and processing, but does not include cultivation.

The positive opinion from EFSA in the context of the GM oilseed rape's
intended uses does not mean that the variety will automatically be approved,
however. A consultation on the opinion is open for the next month, whereafter
the final go-ahead can only be granted by the European Commission.

T45
is designed to be tolerant to the herbicide glufosinate-ammonium, is meant for
cultivation in the oilseed-growing areas of the United States.

At
present only GM maize (Monsanto and Bayer) is authorised for cultivation in
Europe, though some states are facing a legal challenge because they have
decided not to allow the cultivation.